Mattafix are Marlon Roudette and Preetesh Hirji. While UK based their sound is a fusion of rock, hip/hop, r&b, fusion, reggae and world. So, a bit of everything. But in a nutshell, world pop.

Their debut album Signs Of A Struggle found some success with singles charting across the globe and scoring a number One in Germany, Poland , Austria, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand. Touring with the likes of Joss Stone and Jem have helped raise their profile.

The first single lifted off this new album Living Darfur is a lovely example of their craft r&b infused with African tribal rythmns and vocals. You’d be hard pressed not to be impressed imagine Charles and Eddie crossed with Paul Simon’s Graceland experimentation.

The band strive for international appeal, and perhaps that’s their downfall the diverse approach and sounds, while beautifully performed, recorded and produced is, in the main, good time summer holiday music the perfect accompaniment to that stroll along a deserted beach. Whether it would have quite the same appeal on a dark , rainy winter’s day is questionable.

But there’s no questioning the integrity and quality of the product.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley